NORTH SAILS BLOG

ETCHELLS 2018 AUSTRALASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS North Sails were well represented in Mooloolaba this week at the annual Etchells mid- winter regatta both on and off the water. With 7 staff members were racing and Michael Coxon on water coaching and invited by Nic Douglas “Adventures of a Sailor Girl” to join her as co-commenter on the media boat. © AdventuresOfASailorGirl.com The mid winters are always well supported and this year the added interest with 41 boats racing from four countries, numerous past class world champions, all driven by the upcoming Brisbane hosted Etchells World Championships in November. Each of the 7 individual heat winners and the top 15 in the regatta chose North Sails exclusively. North Sails continued their Etchells class support as a regatta sponsor donating a jib that was drawn from a hat at the presentation and won by class stalwart Steve O’Rouke, a popular win. The Cure - Happy in their win on a countback The 3 days offshore racing did not disappoint starting in a challenging left over sea state in medium airs with both the sea and wind backing off over the course of the event. Mooloolaba is renowned for being a challenging tactical coarse and again lived up to expectations with a different winner in each of the 7 races and ended with “The Cure” and “Crue Jane” finishing on top with equal points and Dave Clark and his “The Cure” team taking out the 2018 Australasian Championships on a count back. For these competing crews plus a similar additional number, together with North Sails, the focus shall now be on the upcoming Worlds to be held off Brisbane in a few months. © AdventuresOfASailorGirl.com © AdventuresOfASailorGirl.com © AdventuresOfASailorGirl.com © AdventuresOfASailorGirl.com The Cure - Happy in their win on a countback © AdventuresOfASailorGirl.com The Cure - Happy in their win on a countback © AdventuresOfASailorGirl.com READ MORE

CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT: DENALI 3 North Sails Expert Skip Dieball on Denali 3 Featuring The Latest 3Di Technology The new Ker 46+, Denali 3, rolled into Northern Michigan on May 31st and the commissioning team has been hard at work everyday since. Built by McConaghy and managed by Wade Morgan of Morgan Yachting, the boat was built to spec and on time. The fit and finish was perfect and after a few days of putting the pieces together, it was time to go sailing. D3 is outfitted with the latest North Sails 3Di. Designed by North Sails New Zealand's Magnus Doole, all the sails showed up ready for install and fit perfectly out of the box. Magnus, myself and Wade had been in communication for nearly nine months making sure that any changes were properly communicated and that all the technological tools were used to ensure that the sails fit the Southern Spars mast perfectly. Bill commented on her sails; "She has a very versatile wardrobe. The boat and sails lived up to my vision and met my goals so I am totally pumped! It's just awesome. Sunday was a real treat..had breeze up and D3 sailed consistently in the high teens. I can’t wait for it to really blow, as she has way more in the tank." Bill McKinley, owner of Denali 3, has been impressed with the entire team in getting the boat from the trailer to sailing within one week. Bill commented, "Super impressive. Couldn't have happened without proper focus and hard work." READ MORE

KASHMIR WINS CHICAGO NOOD REGATTA In Trying Conditions The Best Prevailed The NOOD regatta, as well as the Colors Regatta the weekend before, open up the Chicago racing season. Rain, fog, and cold temperatures accompanied with light, and shifty winds dominated the weather for this years' NOOD regatta, presenting a strong prevailing SW breeze, and SE thermals out on the race course, yet keeping things warm onshore for post-racing festivities. This year we had a prolonged period (10+ days) of cool, overcast, with N-NE breezes, with some fog & rain thrown in the mix, so there wasn’t any usual local knowledge. Rather, the regatta had generally trying conditions for competitors & race committee alike. In the end North Sails clients won five of the nine One-Design classes, some quite close & some a runaway. In what was arguably the most competitive class, J/111 Kashmir won both the North Sails Boat-of-Day award on Saturday & the NOOD Overall champ. Hear it firsthand from Karl Brummel of Kashmir, interviewed by Sailing World regarding their highly successful weekend. READ MORE

CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT: LAKE CHAMPLAIN Premiere Sailing With Gorgeous Views Around an hour and half South of Montreal sits a hidden gem for sailing with picturesque views and fantastic breeze. Hugh Beaton and Louisa Sonosky from North Sails Toronto visited Montreal based North Sails Expert Miro Balcar for a weekend of sailing and laughs with local North Sails customers. Willsboro Bay Marina sits tucked away from the noise of the city on the US side of New York side of Lake Champlain. My second visit to Willsboro Bay did not disappoint - the facilities are outstanding, and the passion for sailing is alive and well on Lake Champlain. We had scheduled two outings during the afternoon to look at new sails and discuss the addition of a modern furling Code 0s which are great additions for modern cruisers looking for some additional horsepower for reaching in light winds. The evening social completed the day with over 40 guests milling about and sharing sailing stories - a big thank you to Bob Klein and family for providing great facilities for our North Sails Day. - Hugh Beaton, North Sails Saturday featured 6-7 knots of breeze in the middle of the day, allowing for a great afternoon of sailing with dedicated North Sails customer Francois Bertheau onboard his Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 469. Later on Saturday saw a drop in wind speed to around 4-5 knots yet still gorgeous conditions thanks to the mountain views and warm sun. Hugh sailed with Jean Francois Elie onboard Scoot, NED ACK55 with an all carbon rig, for a couple hours as well in these fantastic conditions. One could not ask for better conditions than what we saw all weekend; the right temperature mixed with enough for a leisurely sail around the bay. The views are picturesque - a must visit for all. - Louisa Sonosky, North Sails As a thank you to our local North Sails customers, we toasted to the season ahead filled with as many picturesque weekends as possible. READ MORE

A RACE TO REMEMBER Susan Hood Trophy Race 2018 The weather gods aligned for the 2018 Susan Hood Trophy Race presented by DriveHG at Port Credit Yacht Club this past weekend. After a short period of rain before the Skipper's Meeting, the sun came out and the wind picked up, creating one of the most beautiful starts racers have seen in the past couple of years. As exclusive sailmaker sponsor of the #SusanHoodTR and the Lake Ontario 300/600, the team from North Sails Toronto were onsite assisting racers with last minute prep including onsite repair, drop-offs and tuning. Local North Sails expert, Hugh Beaton, was onboard Afterburn, a Soto 40 out of Port Credit Yacht Club, skippered by Craig Pirie and Darren Gornall. The crew tested out their new 3Di RAW Square Top Mainsail and A2 Asymmetric Airx throughout the race; finishing on June 2 at 5:43 am with a corrected time of 12:00:01. Sailing the Soto 40 Afterburn in the Susan Hood was a real pleasure. She lived up to her billing as a downwind flyer, hitting 15-16 knots pretty easily during the first half of the leg to Niagara. We started with the Masthead Code 0, and then peeled to the A2 about 90 minutes into the race as the wind swung aft. True wind speed 17-18 and a true wind angle of 145 is a great combination for this boat. - Hugh Beaton, North Sails Bryan Sim's took his new Perry 57, Suspect, out for her first race during the Hood, which was complete with a new inventory of North Sails, delivered earlier in the week by Hugh Beaton. The new inventory included a 3Di ENDURANCE Full Batten Mainsail, 3Di Endurance Furling Genoa, A0 Asymmetric and A2 Asymmetric. North Sails expert Doug Folsetter and summer intern Kyann Rentzelos crewed with Bryan for the race. Not only was it first racing this beautifully refitted Perry 57, it was the first time sailing it for the owner and crew. As the boat is true racer / cruiser that will be extensively cruised and occasionally raced, the sail inventory was kept simple with a 3Di ENDURANCE main and 135% furling jib along with an A0 on a furler and A2 in a snuffer for downwind work. Despite the limited inventory, these versatile sails worked wonderfully through the wind range that we experienced, and we never felt that we were missing the “perfect” sail for any given condition. "We found the sail-plan extremely easy to handle which will bode well for the owner when they set off on extended cruises shorthanded. The easily driven hull was really in it’s element, close-reaching at 11-12 knots of boat speed in 20 knots TWS with a reefed main and full jib. The furling A0 could be the most versatile sail on the boat. It’s absolutely necessary for long distances such as the Susan Hood but will also be a fantastic sail for fast passage making. Every modern cruising boat should really have one." -Doug Folsetter, North Sails Blast from Mimico Cruising Club took her new suit of sails for a whirl this weekend. Chris Bobyk, Owner, added a new 3Di RAW Mainsail and A2 Asymmetric to his collection for 2018. Bobyk was pleased with the sails performance and overall race saying, The 2018 Susan hood race was a thriller, with 18 knot winds and preferred port tack Spinnaker start to kick things off towards the first mark at Niagara. The thrill being some competitors started on starboard with majority on port- well that made things interesting especially with those on port with kites up or being hoisted- us for one. It was a great test for both our new 3DI North Main and A2 Asymmetrical kite. Both these new sails have proven their performance in design and construction early this season, most particularly in Blast’s enhanced speed performance during the Susan hood at different points of sail. In addition to enhanced speed performance the 3DI Main is one of the easiest main sails to get set with reduced adjustments for the trimmer- simplifying main trimming and allowing both helmsman and main trimmer to get into their respective grooves quicker in and out of tacks and upon establishing course. This new addition to Blasts sail inventory as a recommended addition by North has proven itself. "The new A2 kite design was based on an analysis of the existing Kite inventory being more traditional asymmetrical in design- the new A2 with larger shoulders gets us to deeper downwind angles and with the strong winds behind our backs for the majority of leg 1 proved a considerable benefit in closer matching wind angles of the symmetrical kite boats. Overall could not be more pleased with these sails and the support from the Team at the North Toronto Loft", commented Chris Bobyk, Owner of Blast, First 10R The Toronto team saw a number of new clients flying new sails for the season during the race including: Chris Bobyk, Beneteau 10R, Blast Craig Pirie & Darren Gornall, Soto 40, Afterburn Bryan Sim, Perry 57, Suspect Bruce Pierce, J122, Hooligan II Will French, Olson 911SE, Entourage William Morland, Beneteau 10R, Rum Kist Brian Mitchell, Quest 33, Areion For the complete results list from the race, see here. READ MORE

Sieg der Rundum 2018! Interview mit Sammy Smith, Miteigner des Ventilo M2 Katamarans ‚Green Horny‘, powered by North Sails: „Wie üblich starteten die Kat‘s in einem schmalen Bereich vor Lindau. Wir sind dabei gut weg gekommen und Richtung Romanshorn gefahren. Schon bei den Vorbereitungen zur Rundum war uns bewusst, dass es wohl wieder ein Gewitter geben würde. Die Tage zuvor kam immer eines über St. Gallen und Rorschach. Somit waren wir gut vorbereitet, wechselten von der Genua auf die Fock und warteten auf den Dreher, den es geben würde. Unklar war, in welche Richtung dieser gehen würde. So ‚hat es dann mit uns gewendet‘ und wir fuhren einen Bogen Richtung Staad. Max. Speed waren 20 Knoten. Vor Romanshorn sahen wir dann unser Begleitboot nicht mehr – es dauerte ein wenig, bis wir realisierten, dass es nicht mehr nachkam. Dann kam die Böe… Die war so stark, dass mir die Grobverstellung des Grossschotes vom Knie fiel – zum Glück sah sie ein anderes Crewmitglied und konnte das Grosssegel noch öffnen, kurz bevor wir umfielen. Hinter ‚Skinfit‘ und ‚Orange Utan‘ rundeten wir die Boje in Romanshorn als drittes Boot. Mit gutem Druck (14 – 15 kn Speed) ging es zur Boje Eichhorn, wo dann der Wind zusammenfiel und wir als Scheibenwischer Richtung Überlingen fuhren. Mal ging es Richtung Pfahlbauten, mal Richtung Birnau, … Da haben wir viel verloren, hangelten uns immerhin noch als 5. um die Boje vor Überlingen. Vor Meersburg parkierten wir dann- zum Glück ohne zu wissen, dass ‚Skinfit‘ und ‚Orange Utan‘ da bereits vor Langenargen waren, wir also einen lächerlichen Rückstand von ca. 20 km hatten… Wir segelten mehr oder weniger ohne Instrumente (und ohne Tracker), da man sie im Dunkeln nicht sah und der eigene Po einem eh zuverlässig sagt, ob man mehr Druck braucht. Alle auf dem Boot waren sehr entspannt, es fielen (wie immer) viele Sprüche- von Verbissenheit keine Spur. Wir wollten (und wollen!) das Segeln geniessen und sind so auch nach unserem Parkieren sehr relaxt weitergesegelt. Vor Arbon bekamen wir dann nochmals richtig Druck und mussten nochmals auf die Fock wechseln. Damit ging es mit SW Wind und 14 – 15 kn Speed weiter ans Schweizer Ufer und dann Richtung Lindau. Was wir zu der zu der Zeit auch nicht wussten: Alle Schiffe vor uns (‚Skinfit‘, ‚Orange Utan‘ und ‚Holy Smoke‘) standen vor Nonnenhorn in der Flaute und sahen uns vorbeiflitzen. Erst wurde vermutet, wir hätten aufgegeben und fuhren unter Motor nach Lindau, dann aber merkten sie das fehlende Dampferlicht.;) Kurz vor der Ziellinie, wir waren noch mit ca. 10 kn unterwegs, dachte ich, es kommt nochmals ein Gewitter, weil es plötzlich ständig blitzte. Ich brauchte einen Moment, um zu realisieren, dass diese Blitze nicht vom Himmel, sondern von Kameras kamen… Beim Glockenschlag fiel dann der Wind nochmals zusammen und wir mussten vor dem Ziel noch einen Schlag machen. Was danach passierte, weiss ich nicht mehr so genau… Wir konnten es erst nicht glauben, dass wir gewonnen hatten, dann hatte ich plötzlich Kameras und Mikrofone vor dem Gesicht,… Im Nachhinein ist es einfach ein einmaliges und cooles Gefühl – absolut horny!‘ Anmerkung der Redaktion: Der Ventilo M2 'Green Horny' ist mit einem 3Di Grosssegel und einer 3DL Genua von North Sails ausgestattet. Sammy ist mit beiden Segeln sehr zufrieden und sagt, man spüre damit das Schiff unglaublich gut. Danke Sammy für dein Vertrauen und HERZLICHEN GLÜCKWUNSCH an das ganze Team!! Eigner: Sammy Smith und Marcel Simon Crew: Ueli Näf und Urs Gonzenbach Natürlich gratulieren wir auch allen anderen Siegern und allen, die durchgehalten haben! Rangliste nach Zieleinlauf Rangliste nach Klassen Claudia Böhm READ MORE

LA SUPERBA-MARINA MILITARE TRA I FAVORITI PER L'ITALIANO J/24 E' iniziato a Riva del Garda il Campionato Italiano J/24, evento che raduna trentacinque equipaggi e che anticipa di alcune settimane l'attesissimo Campionato del Mondo, in programma sempre sull'alto Benaco verso fine agosto con l'organizzazione della Fraglia Vela Riva. Invelando circa il cinquanta per cento della flotta nostrana, North Sails è tra i sicuri protagonisti dell'evento che vede favoriti due equipaggi su tutti: La Superba-Marina Militare (foto) di Ignazio Bonanno, forte pretendente al titolo nazionale, e gli americani di Furio di Keith Whittemore, che punteranno al successo overall. A Riva del Garda si è trattenuto qualche giorno lo Specialist North Sails, nonché già campione iridato J/24, Andrea Casale che, oltre a consegnare una quindicina di vele nuove, prima di trasferirsi a Pisa per la 151 Miglia che affronterà sul Farr 400 Freccia del Chienti di Piero Paniccia, ha assistito diversi equipaggi nel corso dei preparativi pre evento. READ MORE

POST CLINIC GIJÓN Finalizamos el Clinic North Sails en Gijón con una participación inmejorable. Damos las gracias al Real Club Astur de Regatas y a todos los asistentes al Clinic por la buena organización y el entusiasmo que mostraron durante todo el fin de semana. Durante las jornadas del Sábado y Domingo realizamos una serie de charlas de trimado y dos sesiones de agua, donde pusimos en práctica todos los conceptos explicados en las charlas. Seguimos con nuestro programa. Desde North Sails, te animamos a inscribirte en el próximo Clinic, donde te ayudaremos a sacar el mejor rendimiento a tus velas. READ MORE

TOGETHER WITH MACIF Three Questions With North Sails © Vincent Curutchet Note: article was originally published by MACIF in French and republished in English with their permission. www.macifcourseaularge.com Whether they are partners or suppliers, many people work in the shadows alongside the MACIF trimaran team to provide their expertise and contribute fully to the development of the project. This month’s spotlight partner is North Sails. North Sails is a key player in French and international offshore racing, and have worked closely with François Gabart’s technical team since 2011. The Brittany-based design team contributed to the development of the sails on the IMOCA MACIF 60', winner of the Vendée Globe 2012-13; and this year again, the sailmaker is part of the close working unit for the MACIF trimaran alongside VPLP (naval architects) and GSea Design (composite specialists). Gautier Sergent, North’s Head of Research & Development, explains the importance of North Sails' involvement with François Gabart's multihull success. What is the scope of North Sails involvement with the MACIF trimaran? Gautier Sergent: "When the boat was built in 2014-15, the goal was to design a multihull helmed by François Gabart and to focus on the efforts at stake to what he can achieve alone. That's why we came out with a boat that was a little less powerful than what was being done at the time to allow François to make the most of its maximum potential. To address this challenge, we created a sail plan that met the specifications for power, weight and functionality. We then modeled all the sail configurations against real conditions to anticipate boat performance at all speeds. Today, we are also working on the aerodynamics of the platform and its interaction with the sails in order to optimize the operation of the sails and reduce the drag of the boat. " We modeled all the sail configurations against real conditions to anticipate boat performance at all speeds. What is the impact of the addition of foils on the sail plan? GS: "After the solo record around the world, we debriefed in detail with François and all the technical team to identify the good points, the bad points and to define areas of improvement on the boat. For this, we work on modeling the aerodynamics of the platform to minimize drag. We are reaching a new milestone with the new foils, so we are in a phase where every small gain starts to be important. The way the MACIF trimaran sails will change; it will fly higher in the air and faster, which results in a modified sail plan. The challenge today is to succeed in making this boat fly in a stable and reliable way." We are reaching a new milestone with the new foils, so we are in a phase where every small gain starts to be important What are the new technologies on the MACIF trimaran sails? GS: "3Di! For several years there’s really been a big evolution in terms of the balance of deformation and weight. For the record around the world, François had a mainsail that had already sailed 50,000 miles before the start. Today, we are confident that a mainsail can perform up to 80,000 miles, the equivalent of three to four years of sailing on these boats. We could never have imagined old technology doing the equivalent of three circumnavigations around the world. On the MACIF trimaran, we have been able to create 100% composite sails which are molded precisely to the desired shape and which are durable. Designing a durable sail that stays in one piece for a long time is one thing but also so that the shape remains unchanged, that is a huge factor in performance!" ©Jean Marie Liot READ MORE

SUMMER INTERNS Who We Are: Kyann Rentzelos Tell us about yourself. I’m from Toronto, but I’m always looking for an excuse to get out of the city, either going camping or getting out on the water. I graduated from the University of Toronto this past June, finishing my Bachelor of Science in biology. Since graduating I’ve been pouring myself into sailing as much as I can, racing in beautiful places like Malta and Antigua and getting out into the open ocean for the first time. When I get some down time, I like to spend it reading or cooking. How long have you been sailing and/or involved in the marine world? I’ve been sailing since I was 11 years old, and racing since 13. What are you most looking forward to about working at North Sails? I’m most looking forward to taking every opportunity to go sailing, learning more about sail construction and how to tell if a sail is properly cut. What’s your favourite part about Summer? Now that I sail year-round, I’d say exploring Canada is my favourite part of summer. Long road trips and camping are definitely a highlight. What’s your earliest memory of being on the water? Being a little kid at the cottage with my cousins, hopping in a tube on the back of my uncle’s speedboat. Somehow the tube got up on its side and stayed completely vertical as we got pulled around the lake. Eventually we slowed down, and it flipped right over, bailing us all out. Who We Are: Kaleb Aberle Tell us about yourself. I am currently studying Commerce at the University for Guelph. I have just completed my second year in Economics and Finance. My goal is to get my CFA after university and begin a career in finance. I have always loved be on the water, my parents have a Beneteau that they keep in St Petersburg Florida where I go to escape winter whenever I can. How long have you been sailing and/or involved in the marine world? I have been boating for my whole life starting at a very young age at my cottage. I attended South Muskoka Sailing School for most of my childhood where I finished my Bronze sail 5. I have also spent the two summers teaching wakeboarding in Muskoka. What are you most looking forward to about working at North Sails? I am looking forward to helping people who share the same love for sailing as I do. I am also very excited to get back to racing and am looking forward to crewing and working on boats. What’s your favourite part about Summer? I have always loved summer for the boating and outdoor activities I am a huge water sports fan and love getting out behind the boat at the cottage or racing on Lake Ontario. What’s your earliest memory of being on the water? One of my earliest memory’s is taking a nap in the bunk beds below deck in my aunts sail boat in newfound Land as we were sailing. I also clearly remember that when I was young at the cottage we had a big yellow Larson bow rider. My brother and I used to beg my Dad to torpedo the bow of the boat sending water all over the place and filling the bow like a bath tub. Who We Are: Julia Sommers Tell us about yourself. My name is Julia and I just finished my third year at Western University studying Consumer Behaviour under the DAN Management and Organizational studies program. I was on exchange this past semester in the Netherlands at the Nijmegen School of Management. I am very interested in marketing and communications and am glad to be able to learn more from North Sails! How long have you been sailing and/or involved in the marine world? I don’t have any sailing experience but am very interested in the sport and love being on the water. My family has always been very involved in rowing so I am familiar with the marine world and the environment of Regatta’s and racing on the water. What are you most looking forward to about working at North Sails? I am really excited to be working at North Sails so I can learn more about sailing and also get more experience in terms of marketing and operations. What’s your favourite part about Summer? I love being outside and spending time at the cottage in the summer. The beach is my favourite place! Hopefully I can spend some time learning how to sail this summer as well. What’s your earliest memory of being on the water? Ever since I was little I’ve always loved to swim or go boating, whether it’s a canoe, kayak, or motorboat. One of my earliest memories on the water is tubing and always begging my parents to let me go at the cottage! READ MORE

CONSEJO NORTH SAILS ¿Tienes velas North Sails 3Di o 3DL? Te explicamos cómo cuidarlas. © Michael Egan Aunque el moho no se adhiere con facilidad al 3DL ni al 3Di, todavía supone una amenaza si guardamos nuestras velas húmedas. Una buena manera de evitarlo es rociar ambas caras de la vela con agua dulce y esperar a que se sequen totalmente antes de guardarlas. No olvides enjuagar también herrajes y cabos. En barcos de gran eslora, es conveniente izar o desenrollar las velas en puerto en días secos y con poca brisa para que se sequen al aire. Para minimizar el daño por UV, es recomendable evitar la luz directa del sol o las horas en las que éste calienta con mayor intensidad. READ MORE

LA VOLVO OCEAN RACE SE DECIDIRÁ EN EUROPA El final de la Etapa 9 ha dejado totalmente abierta la lucha por la victoria final en la Volvo Ocean Race 2017-18. © Ugo Fonolla / Volvo Ocean Race La victoria de Team Brunel, unida a la tercera posición de DongFeng Race Team y la quinta de MAPFRE aprieta la clasificación a falta de dos únicos asaltos, que llevarán a la flota desde Cardiff (Gales) hasta Gotemburgo (Suecia) y finalmente hasta La Haya (Holanda). El equipo chino lidera la provisional con un punto de ventaja sobre el español y tres sobre el holandés, por lo que el nombre del campeón de la VOR se decidirá en Europa. North Sails es la velería oficial de la Volvo Ocean Race. READ MORE

VELA FLEXIBLE, EL REVOLUCIONARIO CONCEPTO PARA LA AMERICA’S CUP Burns Fallow y Michael Richelsen lideran el equipo de trabajo de North Sails, Emirates Team New Zealand y Luna Rossa para desarrollar el concepto de vela flexible con el que se competirá por la 36 America’s Cup. © Emirates Team New Zealand North Technology Group cuenta con una larga y productiva historia en la America’s Cup. Tanto la velería North Sails como la firma de aparejos Southern Spars han sido fundamentales en el desarrollo de barcos de Copa durante años, más recientemente con la introducción de la revolucionaria tecnología 3Di y los innovadores catamaranes foileadores de ala rígida. El anuncio del nuevo concepto de barco con el que se competirá por la 36 America’s Cup debe mucho del trabajo, los recursos, la experiencia y la creatividad al corazón del Grupo North. North Sails y sus herramientas de diseño han vuelto a ser parte clave para el desarrollo de los monocascos que volarán en Nueva Zelanda en 2021. El Defender Emirates Team New Zealand y el Challenge of Record Luna Rossa tenían claro que querían crear algo nuevo, emocionante y diferente cuando sugirieron las primeras pinceladas de cómo sería la defensa en Auckland. Para ello, no dudaron en recurrir a North Sails, el indiscutible líder mundial de diseño y fabricación de velas. Desde el inicio de la colaboración, en septiembre de 2017, los expertos de North Sails Burns Fallow y Michael Richelsen fueron conscientes de que debían implicar el North Design Suite, la serie de programas informáticos utilizados por arquitectos navales, diseñadores y regatistas de todo el mundo. Entre los componentes del Suite, iba a ser determinante para el desarrollo del nuevo concepto el software Membrain©, que equilibra presión de viento, forma de la vela y fuerzas del aparejo. Según Fallow: “Iniciamos este proyecto en septiembre y no tuvimos mucho tiempo para valorar si esta idea iba a ser viable o no, así que había muchas preguntas esenciales que requerían respuesta. Preguntas como cuál será la diferencia de cargas entre la superficie de barlovento y de sotavento de la vela, cómo trabajará la interacción entre sables y mástil, o cuál será el beneficio aerodinámico de todo esto. Informé a Michael (Richelsen) sobre lo que tratábamos de lograr, y apenas dos meses más tarde logramos una versión del Membrain que nos ayudó a responder esas preguntas. Desde entonces, hemos añadido más y más funciones para lograr modelos más perfeccionados. Es uno de los proyectos más emocionantes y progresivos en los que he estado involucrado en mis 30 años con North Sails”. Membrain se utiliza en paralelo con Flow©, que inicialmente aplica presión de viento al conjunto de velas y aparejo, y devuelve un mapa de presiones, fuerzas y momentos generados sobre los mismos. Membrain utiliza estos resultados de Flow para calcular la deformación virtual de la combinación aparejo/vela como estructura unificada. Este proceso se repite hasta que se consigue un equilibrio estable. Rígida, flexible o convencional El sistema de doble elemento de vela rígida utilizado en las ediciones 34 y 35 de la America’s Cup (2013 y 2017) dio lugar a un nivel inédito de trimado. Un ala dividida en segmentos puede ser configurada con una profundidad mayor que una vela convencional, logrando así una fuerza de sustentación mayor cuando se necesite. En segundo lugar, los brazos de control rígidos pueden forzar la inversión de las secciones superiores, lo que crea un momento de adrizamiento, requerido en condiciones de exceso de potencia, al invertir la fuerza de sustentación. Pero un ala rígida es complicada, cara y poco práctica para la navegación en general. La vela flexible es un híbrido entre una vela convencional y una rígida. Los pares de sables (uno en cada sección) controlan activamente el twist en el área superior. El control de estos sables puede cambiar la forma de la vela y consecuentemente las prestaciones. Aunque la inversión de sección de una vela flexible no puede ser tan dramática como lo sería en un ala rígida, si es mucho mayor que la de una mayor convencional. A diferencia de una mayor convencional, un ala rígida no se desventa. La vela flexible conserva esta característica gracias a los pares de sables, por lo que puede liberar potencia mejor que una vela convencional, algo muy beneficioso y aprovechable. Por su parte, la superficie 3Di actúa como esencial receptor de cargas, colaborando con los pares de sables para lograr una vela flexible efectiva. JB Braun, jefe de diseño e ingeniería en North Sails, explica que las consecuencias de esta investigación trascenderá el nicho de la America’s Cup: “Como ya comprobamos desde el nacimiento de la tecnología 3Di con Alinghi, que hoy es utilizada tanto en competición como en crucero, los beneficios de este trabajo para el deporte de la vela son enormes”. Para más información sobre el Servicio Certificado North Sails, visita www.northsails.com o contacta con nosotros en info@es.northsails.com READ MORE

Success All Round for the May Bank Holiday Weekend A busy and successful weekend for North Sails clients racing on the south coast The three day weekend is always a busy one for sailing in and around the Solent and this year’s May Bank holiday was no different. On the South coast alone there were four major events, spreading from Poole to Cowes, with everything from Etchells for their UK Nationals, to the second event in the Fast 40+ Series as part of the Poole regatta. The J Cup, also happening in Cowes, had a spectacular entrance of 66 boats, covering all types of J boats including the popular J/70 fleet and a strong IRC fleet With a bad weather forecast looming at the beginning of the week for the South coast, everyone was pleasantly surprised to have the sunshine turn up for the whole weekend. Despite the lack of wind on Friday, Saturday gave near perfect conditions and the rest of the weekend followed in that path. The North Sails UK team were spread amongst these events, offering regatta support at Poole regatta with our travelling Certified Service team and North U debrief’s in Cowes for the annual J Cup. The J/24’s had their National Championship as part of the Poole regatta. This fleet has been making a come back in the UK over the past years, and for the weekend they saw twenty-one boats entered. Sam Richmond, UK Sales Manager “Weekend’s like this make us really proud of what we have achieved working with teams in the Solent, with wins in everything from Etchells through Quarter Tonners and on to Fast 40+’s. It was great to see our team out sailing with their clients and helping them make the most of their sails" Do not hesitate to get in touch with the team for feedback from the weekend, we are here to help! Congratulations to all of our clients out on the water, here is a list of our clients wins. J Cup 2018, Cowes J/111 1 Sweeny / Paul van Driel & Hans Zwijnenburg J/92 1 Upstart / Robin Stevenson J/97 1 Jaywalker / Bob & Jon Baker J/88 1 J-Dream / David & Kirsty Apthorpe IRC 1 Davanti Tyres / Chaz Ilvill Fast 40+, Poole 1 RAN / Niklas Zennstrom J/24 UK Nationals, Poole 1 Chaotic / Nick Phillips Etchells UK Nationals, Cowes 1 Alfie / Lawrie Smith Etchells UK National Champions ©Sportography.tv J/97's at the annual J Cup Fast 40+ RAN © Ian Roman READ MORE

A Chance To Qualify Bayview Yacht Club Spring Match Race Invitational Chair of the BYC Spring Match Race Invitational, Lance Smotherman, shares his advice for racers and the opportunity that lays in the qualifying event. Lance is also the chair of the Detroit Cup and the Richardson Cup (Great Lakes Match Race Championship). Tell us about the BYC Spring Match Race Invitational. The best way to describe it is we have a couple of major match race events and this is a qualifier where the local people can get an invitation to one of the bigger events that they might normally not get to be in. How about if I start with the, we'll start with the Detroit Cup, which is our second event. Now the Detroit Cup is one of four match races in a series around the country. International people come to participate in. For our race, it's going to take place in August. We're about halfway subscribed so far, maybe two thirds of the way subscribed. The countries represented in this event for match racing is two teams from New Zealand, one from Australia, one from Poland, one from Japan, two from the U.S. There's a pretty wide assortment there of skill from all over the world. Right. So, those are the caliber of teams that are coming in for that event and then the Spring Invitational is an opportunity where more local people, if they win this event, can then participate in the next stage, which is quite a bit bigger. Would you say that a lot of locals are participating and trying to get to that qualifying stage? Yes, we're trying to get as many locals as we can. We're trying to get eight teams. And in that light, the Spring Invitational qualifies you for four different events, actually five. So, one of the events, it gets them to race in the international match race, the Detroit Cup, which is what I just described. The second thing that they get is they also qualify to be in the Thompson Cup, which is Seawanhaka Corinthia Yacht Club in New York, which is also part of that four race series. So if they win the Spring Invitational they can go participate in two of the four events that are taking place in the Grand Slam series. They also get to participate in the Great Lakes Match Race Championship; which is the Richardson Cup and Bayview Yacht Club is the sponsor for this year. Then the last thing is that it also qualifies them to get into the Match Race, U.S. Match Race Championship, being held at Chicago Yacht Club. What are conditions historically like at this event? Detroit, we race right in front of the club. We have ultimate 20s that we race in. And we race right in front of the club, so it's grandstand seating to watch them. The Detroit river, although it's very tricky to race in because of the current, typically fairly light winds. So it really creates a complete different match racing dynamic than in a lot of the other venues where they're in open areas so it gets really tricky. How do racers typically prepare for something like that if it's, it sounds like it's very tactically different than what they're going to be used to. They have to come in and practice. There is a home field advantage for the people who are familiar with racing in Detroit. Very similar to if you race in Charleston, South Carolina. They race a lot in the rivers there which is kind of the same thing. It's very tricky and the people who are familiar with racing in those waters have a slight advantage. Although, for the last several years it's been the international teams that have won those big events. Harry Price from Australia, his won the Detroit Cup two years in a row now. So although there's a home field advantage, the best match racers in the world are still smart enough to figure it out. What's your best advice for racers attending these events? We are having a practice day the day before the event and they should take full advantage of the practice day so they can re-familiarize themselves with those currents and waters. And we're one of the few match race venues that use sport boats. You know, with sprints and asymmetrical. But most of the match racing is done in boats like Sonars and Catalina 37s and boats of that nature and we use a 20 foot sport boat with a extendable pole and asymmetrical spinnakers. So a lot of the times we have match racers, believe it or not, who aren't that familiar with sprint boats. North Sails Detroit is a proud sponsor of all three match racing events held at Bayview Yacht Club. READ MORE

Ainda está a tempo de usufruir do Certified Service da North Sails!Se durante o Inverno não teve oportunidade de fazer a inspecção às suas velas, aproveite agora para o fazer. O Certified Service oferece-lhe o melhor cuidado na manutenção das suas velas. Para Cruzeiro ou Regata este é o serviço mais qualificado para estender o tempo de vida do seu inventário e manter a sua performance. Os nossos especialistas vão ajudá-lo a manter as suas velas nas melhores condições para que tire delas o maior rendimento. Com a dedicação da nossa equipa pode garantir que as suas velas se encontram em boas mãos. Os sailmakers da North Sails estão qualificados para fazer manutenção, reparações e recuts. Os nossos 10 Pontos de Inspecção permitem assegurar que a sua vela está em forma. Para realizar uma inspecção gratuita pode trazer as suas velas à North Sails Cascais ou deixá-las num dos nossos pontos de recolha. Faça já a sua marcação e garanta que nada o fará parar este Verão! Pontos de Entrega/ Recolha: North Sails Cascais Marina de Cascais, Loja 27B | T: 214 827 561/ TLM: 916 830 166 (08h00-12h00 | 13h00-17h00) Francisco Ramada Doca de Belém, Lisboa | T: 213 641 587 / TLM: 916 168 134 (09h00-12h30 | 14h00-18h00) Afonso Domingos Local a combinar | T: 962 565 322 (Horário a combinar) Facebook Twitter Marina de Cascais, Loja 27B, 2750-800 Cascais, Portugal Unsubscribe | View this email in your browser READ MORE

FROM SMALL TOWN SALES EXPERT TO VOLVO OCEAN RACE TEAM DIRECTOR Bruno Dubois Shares His Transition From Sailing To Team Director For Dongfeng Race Team A humble man whose passion for sailing is clear the moment you start talking with him. With an impressive list of sailing titles to his name, Bruno Dubois is one of Canada’s great sailing legends. Currently he is Team Director for Dongfeng Race Team in the 2017/2018 Edition of the Volvo Ocean Race, a title he’s held since the 2014/2015 edition with the team. That wasn’t his first rumble with the race though, he was Skipper of Rucanor Sport in the 1989/1990 edition of the Whitbread Round the World Race. He is also a two times Transat Jacques Vabre participant and Farr 45 European and World Champion – not that he would tell you, as he is most humble about his accomplishments. Previously to Team Director for Dongfeng, he was team director for Groupama Team France in the 2015-2017 America’s Cup and 14 years before that as Manager of North Sails Europe/France. Prior to heading North Sails Europe, Bruno was a familiar face at North Sails Toronto, previously North Sails Fogh Ltd. when Hans Fogh was involved, and Larry MacDonald was sales manager. His roots with the Toronto sailing circuit, as well as Quebec, run deep and highlight how the sailing world can take you just about anywhere. A cold, windy afternoon in the Race Village at Fort Adams State Park, Bruno took some time to speak with me about his sailing path, from North Sails Toronto, that has led him to where he is currently, team director for Dongfeng Race Team in the Volvo Ocean Race. https://youtu.be/CONKZWWrF0A READ MORE

CHAMPAGNE SAILING AT THE VICE ADMIRAL'S CUP Catch up with the North Sails experts who were in and amongst the action © Rick Tomlinson The three day event took place in the Solent over the weekend with eight close races in glamour sailing conditions. Although the forecast was light for the whole weekend, the trusty Solent sea breeze filled in each day meaning all the one design fleets completed their racing series. North Sails experts Nick Bonner, Pete Redmond and Jonty Cook were out racing amongst the fleet. Here’s what they had to say about the sailing Pete Redmond sailing on Nifty & Sunrise, part of the newly formed Performance 40 fleet. “The Performance 40 fleet is super cool racing and quite a fun fleet to be in. There were seven boats in the fleet and everyone’s close at top marks because the boats are all a similar speed. One of the races all boats finished within 40 seconds of each other after IRC correction.” “Because it’s so tight, there's a big emphasis on crew work, so you can’t have a shocker and get away with it, which the coastal race proved. Anyone who couldn’t peel or who had the wrong sail up didn’t do very well.” Jonty Cook was sailing onboard J/111 Jitterbug “There were seven boats in the J/111 class, we normally race as part of the Performance 40 fleet. The weekend was pretty decent one design racing. It’s a similar situation to the Performance 40’s, everyone goes pretty much the same speed so it all comes down to crew manoeuvres. Jelvis, the winners, were particularly rapid. “Being able to pull manoeuvres such as goose winging all the way downwind in the light airs gives an extra edge to everyone else in the fleet which is what you need in One Design racing.” Nick Bonner was out on the water watching the racing, he was particularly interested in the Quarter Tonner fleet “Aguila had a full set of 3Di sails and they used them all weekend and were looking really good. Although they had a bad friday, they really turned it on for the rest of the regatta and won their class. The sails looked really smooth and shape-wise looked really nice with the sail shape holding in the correctly. “The feedback from the guys in the fleet was also really positive, especially those moving from 3DL to 3Di sails. Relative to the 3DL sail shapes, the 3Di is looking pretty accurate. We have a strong market share within the fleet which is great for us in such a great development class!” “Rumbleflurg in the Performance 40 fleet have a lot of potential. They have a new boat and a new crew, and I think they will just get better and better across the season. With a few tweaks to their boat and some more on the water practise, they will be up their at the front of the fleet.” “It was also great to see Toucan and Pandemonium looking strong in the HP30 class. Pandemonium has recently changed to North Sails, so we look forward to working with them and getting them up to the front.” In the J/111 fleet, Martin Dent’s Jelvis put in the performance of the weekend scoring 1-1-1-1-2-1-1-3 putting them clear in the lead with their Dutch rivals Sweeny. The J/109 fleet also had a strong turnout ahead of the championship next week, Simon Perry’s Jiraffe put in an equally stunning performance to win the regatta also scoring 6 bullets in the eight race series. The largest fleet in the regatta was the Quarter Tonner fleet. The final result saw all three podium finishers tied on points! Sam Laidlaw’s Aguila took the regatta, plugging 3 bullets across the series. Once again it was the battle of the King 40’s at the front end of the Performance 40 fleet. The two boats fought it out to the very last race, with Roger Bowden’s Nifty coming out on top by 2.5 points ahead of Michael Blair’s Cobra. In third place was the new boat to the fleet, Thomas Kneen’s JPK 1180, Sunrise. All the boats mentioned above are fitted out with North Sails inventories. If you are interested in updating your sails, get in touch with our local team to find out what we can do for you! Full results © Rick Tomlinson © Rick Tomlinson READ MORE

NORTH SAILS SUCCESS IN ISORA AND RC35'S IN SCOTLAND Maurice "Prof" O'Connell from North Sails Ireland reports that North-powered race boats had a "stunning" weekend's success on both sides of the Irish Sea at the Kip Regatta and ISORA race. Speaking this morning, Prof said "We are delighted to see our wonderful clients achieve such great results and are thrilled to be a small part of that." Kip Regatta Firstly, in Kip Regatta in Scotland, the competitive 12 boat RC 35 division, Pat Kelly's J109 literally STORMed the event scoring 2,2,1,1 over the four race series sailed in very light airs. With input from Nigel Young from North Sails Ireland, "Storm II" is IRC-optimised with both symmetric and asymmetric spinnakers. For Kip Regatta, she was flying a newly designed 3Di mainsail and Code 2 jib plus a very special new A3 reaching kite made from a high tenacity polyester woven fabric. Speaking after the event, "Storm II" helmsman Marty O'Leary said "She was going like a rocketship, the new main is noticeably quicker than the old one and the new A3 is mint - nearly a Code Zero. Once we had the lads on the rail, we were gone!" 1st RC35 Division (IRC) and Boat Of The Regatta J109 "Storm II" Pat Kelly Rush Sailing Club ISORA Secondly, In the 50 mile ISORA race on Saturday North-powered boats won all three IRC classes and the overall race. Prof was aboard Chris and Patanne Power-Smith's Aurelia, which took both the overall and IRC-0 win flying their new 155sqm composite A2 asymmetric. 1st Overall - J122 Aurelia - Chris & Patanne Power-Smith 1st IRC 0 - J122 Aurelia - Chris Power-Smith 1st IRC 1 - J109 Mojito - Peter Dunlop & Vicky Cox 1st IRC 2 - J97 Windjammer - Denis Power & Lindsay Casey READ MORE

La nouvelle crew collection est arrivée! Depuis quelques mois, North Sails a lancé une ligne de vêtements techniques et performants afin d’équiper les navigants aussi bien à terre que sur l’eau. Toutes les pièces peuvent être personnalisées avec logo, nom et numéro de voile, afin que vous puissiez porter haut les couleurs de votre équipage ! Pour avoir plus d’informations, voir la marchandise ou obtenir un devis personnalisé, prenez contact avec Margaux Jorand . READ MORE

Encomenda já as tuas North Sails para 420! Como sabes o Campeonato Ibérico e o Europeu de Juniores 420 acontecem, este ano, em Sesimbra em semanas consecutivas. A Equipa North Sails Portugal vai estar presente nas regatas para sail advice e com o serviço de reparações de emergência em funcionamento, para ambos os eventos. Faz já a tua encomenda para garantires a entrega das tuas novas velas. Já só faltam 6 semanas para estes campeonatos! Buy 420 Sails Local 420 News North Sails com Hugo Rocha no Estágio de Natal de 420, em Cascais A convite do CNCascais, a North Sails marcou presença com o Hugo Rocha Read More → Primeira Clínica de 2018, com Hugo Rocha, contou Onze Equipas de 420 2018 arranca com a realização da nossa Primeira Clínica do ano para a Classe de 420. Read More → Share Tweet Forward Marina de Cascais, Loja 27B, 2750-800 Cascais, Portugal Unsubscribe | View this email in your browser READ MORE

NORTH SAILS IRELAND SPONSOR J/109 CHAMPIONSHIPS North Sails Ireland have announced a sponsorship package for the two Irish J/109 class events in 2018. The package will cover the J/109 East Coast Championships at the Royal Irish Yacht Club on May 19th & 20th and the National Championships on October 6th and 7th at Howth Yacht Club. The package will include North U on the water support, with video analysis and de-briefing after racing and prizes and goodies for competitors. Speaking at the announcement, Irish J/109 Class Captain Andrew Craig said, "The Irish J/109 class are delighted to continue our partnership with North Sails. Last year's "post-match" de-brief by Prof and Nigel was both informative and entertaining and the North goodies were very much appreciated by all competitors." Maurice "Prof" O'Connell from North Sails Ireland said, "North Sails have worked closely with J-Boats, going all the way back to the launch of the J/24 in 1975. Our 3Di upwind sails and "V-Series" downwind sails are proving to be a fantastic investment for J/109 sailors and are more durable and faster than ever. We look forward to supporting the class at this year's Nationals and East Coasts". READ MORE

NORTH SAILS PROTAGONISTA A PALMA DI MAIORCA Apertura di stagione in grande stile per North Sails che a Palma di Maiorca, in occasione di Sail Racing PalmaVela, ha centrato affermazioni in quasi tutte le classi, comprese quelle riservate a TP52, Melges 40 e Wally, considerate tra le più competitive. Tra i TP52, dopo sette regate caratterizzate da condizioni medio-leggere, l'ha spuntata Azzurra, il cui progetto vele è seguito dal team North composto da Juan Garay, Giovanni Cassinari e Marchino Capitani. Nei Melges 40, protagonisti di nove prove, si è imposta Inga From Sweden di Richard Goransson, seguita anch'essa da Marchino Capitani e con a bordo il North Sails Specialist Cameron Appleton. Tra i cinque Wally in regata, invece, ad avere la meglio è stato il Wally 95 Magic Blue di Toni Cacace che a bordo ha impegnato tra gli altri Stefano Orlandi del team North Sails e che si è avvalso dell'esperienza del sail designer Michele Malandra. Per le classifiche READ MORE

NORTH SAILS ARE HERE FOR YOU From choosing the correct sail material to making the most of your sails, the North Sails team of experts based in Gosport are here to help North Sails are committed to designing, producing and delivering the best sails in the world. We are also equally committed to working as a team with our customers. North Sails UK relocated to the new, larger loft in Gosport in 2015 in order to fulfil the increasing demand for sails in Europe and around the world. As technology develops, boats are getting bigger and so are the sails! The Gosport loft fulfills the requirements, with three dedicated work benches; the largest covers 3500m², which is big enough to lay out a J Class yacht mainsail. On this finishing bench, panel sails are stitched together and the finishing touches are added to the 3Di blanks received from Minden and Sri Lanka. Our other work benches are dedicated to Service and One Design. The Certified Service bench was recently increased to ensure we meet the needs and requirements of all our customers. We offer a one year guarantee for all new sails, and our experts also provide support at many events around the world. This year in the UK, we will offer certified service at the J-Cup, Cowes Week, and several other events. Our day-to-day servicing covers everything from laundry and storage to re-cuts and repairs. The One Design team have a bench specifically for outputting One Design sails. They are able to make anything from Optimist sails to asymmetric spinnakers for sports boats, using a variety of North panel cloths. The team of highly skilled sail makers work hard and with a great attention to detail, in order to make every sail comply to the company’s high standards in sailmaking, as well as making sure they are championship-winning sails! We also have a team of class experts in hand to help you choose the right sail for your One Design sailing. This team is lead by World Champion and One Design superstar Charlie Cumbley. We are located just outside of Portsmouth, next door to the Solent—the heart of sailing in the United Kingdom. We offer pick-up and drop-off of sails from several locations along the Solent. Our team is available for you at every stage of your sailing; from measuring your boat, to fitting the sails, to making sure you get the most out of your inventory on the water. Our service manager, Rob Dyer will be able to help with all of your servicing needs, from quoting to advising. The North Sails European design team, led by David Lenz, operates out of the Gosport loft. David has been working for the company since 2000 and offers a wealth of experience, both in designing sails and in using the sails he designs. We have eight in-house designers, each using North Design Suite to study sails in their actual flying shape. We can measure how they behave when sheets are eased and the sail begins to twist, using the same controls that a real boat has. That means our designs have exactly the sail shape you need. “At North Sails our experts are on hand to advise you on each step of sail buying, including product selection, sail care, rating optimisation, measuring your boat, and of course fitting your new sails." Sam Richmond, UK Sales Manager. If you are interested in any of our North products or want to chat to our service team and see what we can do with your sails, then do not hesitate to get in touch. READ MORE

FRECCIA DEL CHIENTI CONQUISTA I LINE HONUORS A LA DUECENTO Esordio in grande stile per il Farr 400 Freccia del Chienti che, a poche settimane dal varo e dalla consegna di un full set North Sails 3Di, si è imposto ne La Duecento, conquistando i line honours del raggruppamento x Tutti. Lo scafo di Piero Paniccia ha tagliato il traguardo sabato 5 maggio alle 23.38, anticipando di circa mezz'ora Margherita di Piero Burello, Victor-X di Vittorio Margherita, Talitha di Maurizio Merenda e Luna per te dello Sporting Club Duevele Paniccia, che durante la regata ha avuto al suo fianco tra gli altri il North Sails Specialist Andrea Casale e Nigel Owen King, si è detto emozionato per essere tornato a Caorle dopo dieci anni da vincitore: “E’ stata una regata molto impegnativa: ci sono stati molti salti di vento e dopo Parenzo la flotta si è compattata, tanto che ci siamo ritrovati circondati. Alla fine dell’Istria il vento ha girato a est e siamo riusciti a girare bene Sansego, poi fino all’arrivo abbiamo dovuto lottare per mantenere la testa della flotta”. “E’ stata una regata molto tecnica - ha fatto eco Chicco Capecci, anch'esso a bordo di Freccia del Chienti - Il Mare Adriatico riserva sempre molte sorprese e fino all’ultimo miglio abbiamo dovuto fare moltissimi cambi vele”. READ MORE

BAYVIEW ONE DESIGN REGATTA The Perfect Arena For Premium Racing The Bayview One Design Regatta began in 2012 with our own Karl Kuspa as Vice-Chairman with then Governor of Bayview Yacht Club Hanson Bratton. Fast forward six years and the regatta is still going, growing in popularity each year and providing a quality weekend of One Design racing. The regatta is hosted by Bayview Yacht Club in Detroit, sitting right on the Detroit river, connecting out to Lake St. Clair. A perfect arena for premium racing and post-racing events. As one of the co chairs of the first Bayview One Design Regatta, this event will always be a special one for me. The event is a great kick off to the sailing season here in the Lakes. For the sailors, it is great competition but also a lot of fun on shore. Karl Kuspa North Sails Regatta Services Our Detroit team will be providing overnight regatta repair. Contact Skip Dieball (419-392-4411) or Karl Kuspa (586-530-2602) during the event to arrange pick up. Cal 25 - Friday post racing Roundtable: Karl Kuspa |Bayview Yacht Club J/70 - Friday post racing Dock Talk | Paul Abdullah | Grosse Pointe Yacht Club Lightning - Saturday post racing Dock Talk: Skip Dieball | Crescent Sail Yacht Club Weather Forecast - Sign up below to receive a complimentary weather forecast, powered by North Sails and provided by Sailing Weather Service READ MORE

HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR THE SUMMER SERIES? Join our crew for the 2018 C.O.R.A Summer Series. READ MORE

ASZIMMETRIKUS VERSENY SPINNAKEREK KÖNNYED, GYORS ÉS STABIL North Sails V-szériás aszimmetrikus spinnakerei egyenesági leszármazottjai az America’s Cup és a Volvo Ocean Race vitorláknak. Fejlesztésüket az aucklandi egyetem szélcsatornájában, és a NORTH SAILS Virtual Wind Tunnel bőszeles áramlást szimuláló softwarrel végezték. Az eredmény stabil aszimmetrikus spinnaker, ami nagyobb teljesítmény mellett, kisebb légellenállással és szélesebb szélspektrumban használható, ami kiemelten fontos a modern, könnyebb, jobban gyorsuló hajók számára. NORTH V széria hétféle széltartományra optimalizált típusa, és a legnagyobb teljesítményű bőszeles anyagok közül választhatunk. ELÉRHETŐ VÁLTOZATOK A1 Light-Air Reacher A3 Masthead Reacher A5 Fractional Reacher A1.5 Light-Air Runner A2 Medium-Air Runner A4 Heavy-Air Runner JELLEMZŐK • szabadalmaztatott számítógépes tervezés • TrueRadial szerkezet, minden illesztésnél formázott • széles színválaszték • rozsdamentes sarokveretek, hevederes erősítéssel • állítható Dyneema élkötelek • vitorlaszám, országjelzés • hitelesített felmérés • spinnaker zsák OPCIONÁLIS • többféle anyagvastagság vitorlán belül • külső haulzolást segítő Gybulator • antitorziós kötél betekerőkhöz • egyedi grafika • SailKote Plus bevonat • lehúzószemek READ MORE

SZIMMETRIKUS VERSENY SPINNAKEREK BIZONYÍTOTT, ERŐS TELJESÍTMÉNY North Sails V-szériás szimmetrikus spinnakerei egyenesági leszármazottjai az America’s Cup és a Volvo Ocean Race vitorláknak. Fejlesztésüket az aucklandi egyetem szélcsatornájában, és a NORTH SAILS Virtual Wind Tunnel bőszeles áramlást szimuláló softwarrel végezték. Az eredmény stabil szimmetrikus spinnaker, ami nagyobb teljesítmény mellett, kisebb légellenállással és szélesebb szélspektrumban használható, ami kiemelten fontos a modern, könnyebb, jobban gyorsuló hajók számára. NORTH V széria hatféle szél tartományra optimalizált típusa, és a legnagyobb teljesítményű bőszeles anyagok közül választhatunk. ELÉRHETŐ VÁLTOZATOK S1 Light-Air Reacher S1.5 Light-Air Runner S2 Medium-Air Runner S3 Medium-Air Reacher S4 Heavy-Air Runner S5 Fractional Reacher JELLEMZŐK • szabadalmaztatott számítógépes tervezés • TrueRadial szerkezet, minden illesztésnél formázott • széles színválaszték • rozsdamentes sarokveretek, hevederes erősítéssel • állítható Dyneema élkötelek • vitorlaszám, országjelzés • hitelesített felmérés • spinnaker zsák OPCIONÁLIS • egyedi grafika • SailKote Plus bevonat • lehúzószemek READ MORE

WHO WE ARE: KARL KUSPA Get to know your local sales expert What do you sail? I grew up sailing Flying Scot's but currently am sailing keelboats, specifically Beneteau 36.7s, J35, J120 and Great Lake 70's. What got you into the marine industry? What’s your favourite aspect of working in the industry? I started working with International 50's in college, which jump started my sailing career. From there, I began running racing programs with onboard coaching, which I have done for the last 30 years. My favourite aspect of working in the industry has to be the onboard coaching aspect with teams. The instant gratification of seeing the team improve and their skills develop is very rewarding. As well, the mechanics of the boat itself with the team and coordinate the team to work together with the boat is highly satisfying. What is your earliest sailing memory? I've been sailing my whole life, I started sailing at a month old with my family. From there, I began racing Fling Scot's at age six with my Father. How long have you been working in the industry? What keeps you coming back for more? For the past 30 years I have been working in the industry and the idea of something new happening everyday is what keeps me coming back for more. If you could have any boat in the world, what would it be? One Design keelboat for sure. READ MORE

WHO WE ARE: SKIP DIEBALL Get to know your local sales expert What do you sail? How long have you been sailing? I have been sailing for almost 40 years now; I've been sailing since I was a kid. Right now, I primarily sail One Design, such as Etchells, Lightning, J70, Melges 24 and Big Keelboats. What got you into the marine industry? What’s your favourite aspect of working in the industry? I worked for an IT firm right out of college and then had an epiphany that sitting in a cubical wasn't for me. I had sailed all my life so the transition into sailing/the marine industry made sense. It's not so much what rather than who that got me started in the marine industry; I started working in the industry through Larry MacDonald. What is your earliest sailing memory? My earliest sailing memory would be sailing with my family as a young one. I started by standing on a milk crate skippering the family boat because I couldn’t see over the top of the wheel. What keeps you coming back for more? The competition. Whether it's with customers or for himself, the race course competition is my favourite and keeps me coming back for more. If you could have any boat in the world, what would it be? It definitely would be a One Design boat. Any boat that is fun to sail & can sail with my kids, such as a J70 or Lightning, would be my preference. READ MORE

NORTH SAILS ANSÆTTER JAN HANSEN FRA QUANTUM SAILS Det er med stor glæde at vi kan annoncere at Jan Hansen pr. 1. maj bliver en del af North Sails salgsteam. ”Vi er glade for, at vi har fået en aftale i hus med Jan, der vil styrke vores position i markedet”, siger Jesper Feldt, leder af North Sails Danmark. North Sails ser nu frem imod at kunne give en endnu bedre service til vores kunder i Danmark. Jan Hansen bringer mere end 30 års erfaring med til salgsteamet og er opsat på at fortsætte med at sælge og servicere nye som gamle kunder. ”Jeg har besluttet at stoppe min franchiseaftale med Quantum Int efter 16 års fint samarbejde. Den nuværende bygning skal rives ned og en flytning af sejlloftet til andre lokaliteter ligger ikke i kortene. Det der imponerer mig ved North Sails er deres store udvalg og brede spændvidde af produkter, samt at de konstant er innovative og investerer i de bedste teknologier. Quantum har nogle gode resultater bag sig men jeg kan se at pilen nu peger i en anden retning. Jeg skiftede fra mit gamle brand Dan Sails i 2001 i en erkendelse af, at jeg ikke længere kunne tilbyde mine kunder det bedste. Tiden er nu kommet til et nyt skifte af samme årsag” siger Jan Hansen. Jan Hansen kan fra i dag træffes hos North Sails Danmark, som ligger i Herlev og har 15 ansatte. Her er samlet verdensklasse maste- og sejldesignere, dygtige sejlmagere til service og reparationer samt kompetente sælgere. Alt det der kræves, for at du kan få de bedste sejl, som passer til dine behov. READ MORE

CONSEJO NORTH SAILS La exposición al sol es uno de los motivos que atentan contra la integridad de nuestras velas. © Michael Egan Los mismos rayos UV que dañan nuestra piel ejercen una acción similar sobre el tejido, las costuras e incluso la cabuyería. Una forma sencilla de reducir esa degradación y por tanto prolongar la vida de nuestras velas es cubrirlas cuando no las utilizamos. Unos tejidos cuentan con mayor resistencia UV que otros. Para dos fibras del mismo tipo, las de menor diámetro se degradarán más rápidamente con el sol. Para conocer el grado de degradación de nuestras velas podemos rascar ligeramente su superficie con un metal sin filo, como una cuchara o la trasera de un cuchillo; si el tejido está en buenas condiciones, la superficie se volverá más brillante y suave; si el daño por UV es severo, la superficie se descamará o incluso rasgará. Será el momento de sustituir la vela. READ MORE

VOR: RUMBO A NEWPORT Terminada la etapa reina por el Océano Sur, que será recordada por la dramática pérdida del tripulante de Sun Hung Kai Scallywag, John Fisher, la flota partió desde Itajaí (Brasil) rumbo a Newport (Estados Unidos) el pasado domingo para disputar la Etapa 8, de 5.700 millas náuticas. © Ugo Fonolla - Volvo Ocean Race Tras la rotura de su vela mayor en la aproximación a Cabo de Hornos, MAPFRE equipa la vela que estrenó en la Etapa 6, entre Hong Kong y Auckland. La Regla Volvo Ocean Race limita el número total de velas que puede adquirir cada equipo a un máximo de dos unidades de cada modelo, incluyendo dos mayores, más seis velas para el período de entrenamiento previo a la competición. El inventario a bordo de cada VO65 está compuesto por ocho velas North Sails 3Di más un tormentín. READ MORE

COMIENZA LA TEMPORADA La temporada de regatas ya está en marcha, y desde North Sails la seguiremos muy de cerca como parte del compromiso con nuestros clientes. © 42N En las próximas semanas, nuestros expertos participarán activamente en la 15ª Sail Racing PalmaVela (Palma, 2 a 6 de mayo) y el 45º Trofeo Conde de Godó (Barcelona, 24 a 27 de mayo). READ MORE

SERVICIO CERTIFICADO NORTH SAILS El calendario de regatas comienza a alcanzar velocidad de crucero, y una buena revisión de las velas de nuestro barco resulta clave para garantizar las mejores prestaciones y evitar disgustos. El Servicio Certificado North Sails garantiza la puesta a punto más exhaustiva realizada por los mejores profesionales. © Ben Zucker Un inventario de velas supone una importante inversión. Los agentes North Sails nos ayudarán a elegir las que mejor se adaptan a las características de nuestro barco y al uso que les vayamos a dar, pero la relación con el cliente no finaliza con su adquisición: North Sails se compromete a ayudarle a maximizar el rendimiento y la vida útil de sus velas. Hay muchos factores que afectan a la integridad de las velas y que conviene vigilar. El uso y la exposición solar provocan una deformación que desplaza su profundidad máxima (camber) hacia popa, por lo que se pierde eficiencia; mástil, jarcia y backstay provocan un deterioro local por el uso (viradas, trasluchadas, flameo); y la unión entre punteras de sables con la vela también puede generar deformaciones locales. En velas portantes, sobre todo códigos cero que descansan largos períodos de invierno enrolladas dentro de su saco, es conveniente un chequeo exhaustivo antes de las regatas para localizar posibles agujeros o cortes, revisión de cinchas en puños y así evitar males mayores. Una inspección anual del inventario ayudará a prolongar la vida útil y el rendimiento óptimo de las velas. Y estas semanas previas al inicio de la temporada suponen el momento idóneo para asegurar que nuestras velas están a punto cuando las necesitemos. En su condición de líder indiscutible en diseño y fabricación de velas, North Sails dispone de la mayor red mundial de velerías, colaboradores y agentes unidos por los mismos parámetros de calidad y servicio. Cualquier vela revisada por nuestros expertos se somete a una minuciosa inspección ideada para anticipar posibles problemas y aportar soluciones. El Servicio Certificado North Sails ofrece diez puntos básicos: Inspección de los accesorios del puño de driza, amura, escota y rizo. Inspección de cinchas y herrajes contra el daño causado por el roce y los rayos UV. Inspección de las puntadas a mano. Inspección de las cintas y accesorios del grátil. Búsqueda de roces en puntos de contacto con crucetas, obenques, candeleros, etc. Inspección de la relinga del grátil y pujamen. Búsqueda de daños causados por rayos UV y comprobación del correcto enrollado (en su caso). Inspección de tope de las fundas de sables, accesorios y ajuste (en su caso). Inspección del cuerpo de la vela para verificar la condición del tejido, las costuras, los números de vela, las bandas de trimado y las ventanas. Reponer o añadir los catavientos. Inspección de accesorios: Cabo y aro del calcetín de spinnaker, sistema externo de plegado de mayor, sables verticales del foque, protección UV, etc. Inspección del correcto cierre del saco de la vela, cremalleras, tirantes y etiquetado. Informe de la vela, 10 puntos de verificación, comentarios. Para más información sobre el Servicio Certificado North Sails, visita www.northsails.com o contacta con nosotros en info@es.northsails.com READ MORE

NORTH SAILS TEAM OUT AMONGST THE ACTION The team at North Sails Ireland were out amongst the action last weekend, sailing with customers and making sure they were happy with their new sails The North Sails Ireland team of Nigel Young, Maurice "Prof" O'Connell and Shane Hughes did the treble over the weekend, each of them winning races with clients on the Irish Sea, Howth and Kinsale. Shane Hughes was a part of Frank Whelan's ISORA winning team on Eluethera, taking victory overall and in Division 0. Shane was trialling a new North Sails 3Di Code 2 jib that day and the boat flew upwind. Eluethera with North Sails Ireland's Shane Hughes trimming Nigel Young raced on Mike Evans' half tonner The Big Picture on Saturday. Nigel was trialling a new 3Di mainsail, Code 2 jib and SuperLite Code S1.5 spi and took a 2nd and 3rd in their class. The Big Picture Flying Her New 3Di Sails Prof was on the water in Howth also providing coaching support from the RIB. Prof's HYC coaching movie is below: On Sunday, both Prof and Nigel were racing in Kinsale YC's April Series. In owner Conor Phelan's absence, Prof steered Jump Juice to victory in Race 1 but a headfoil problem dropped the team down the standings in Race 2. Jump Juice steered by Maurice O'Connell in KYC April League Nigel was racing aboard Denis Murphy's Grand Soleil 40 Neulargo and they pounced on the Jump Juice headfoil issue to win race 2, following up on their 2nd in race 1. The picture below shows Neulargo flying her new North Sails 3Di Endurance mainsail and Sk75 S2 kite. Neulargo with North Sails Ireland's Nigel Young aboard All in all, a great weekend for North Sails Ireland and their customers. READ MORE

WOMEN ON THE WATER Nieulargo is a Family Run Boat, Where the Women Take the Lead Onboard For the past two weekends I (Nigel Young) have been sailing with Denis Murphy and his Family and friends on Nieulargo the Grand Soleil 40 from the Royal Cork Yacht Club. One thing that is very apparent sailing with this team, is the number of women involved in getting the best out of the boat. Molly is helming and doing a great job, she is only 17 years old but has a very seasoned outlook to her sailing and gets great speed out of the boat. Her younger sister Mia is also often found in the cockpit looking after the jib and spinnaker trim. Then there is the Team Boss Annamarie, she quietly goes about her business packing spinnakers and generally looking after the mid section of the boat and keeping the boys in check! More often than not it’s the boys who get all the glory, but on Nieulargo the key jobs are spread between the sexes and it’s been great fun to play a small part in this mixed team. Good luck for the rest of the season from us all at North Sails Ireland. READ MORE

KEN READ SPEAKS AT THE CHICAGO YACHT CLUB Join North Sails To Get An Expert Perspective On The Future Of The Sport READ MORE

NIEULARGO SAIL TRIALS IN KINSALE The Grand Soleil 40 trials her new 3Di Endurance inventory A rare break in the winter weather allowed North Sails Ireland's Nigel Young to hoist some new sails with Denis Murphy and his crew in Kinsale. The GS 40 was new to Cork last year and arrived with only cruising sails. Denis, the owner, has added some state of the art 3Di 760 Endurance sails and some V-Series spinnakers. Working with senior sail designer Tim Corben at the North Sails European HQ the sails fitted the boat like a glove. Slightly underpowered with the old cruising configuration, the new sails are several square meters bigger, substantially lighter which has made them more powerful. The new 3Di mainsail is approximately 40% lighter than the existing sail its replacing, combine this with the new shape and low stretch of the 3Di product we are expecting big things from the team in 2018. Read more about North’s 3Di technology here. Nigel had the pleasure of racing with Denis on Sunday in Kinsale, with his Daughter Molly helming the boat took the wins in both IRC and Echo, hopefully, a sign of things to come. Congratulations to Denis, Molly and all the team for a great job in testing conditions. Good luck for 2018, North Sails Ireland will be on hand to support you throughout the season. READ MORE

VELA E VELERIE North Sails Invela Il Farr 400 Freccia Del Chienti Civitanova - Interessante novità per North Sails​ che, nel corso del passato week end, ha svolto i primi test a bordo del nuovissimo Farr 400 Freccia del Chienti, scelto da Piero Paniccia​ per competere in alcune tra i più prestigiosi eventi dell'altura. Ottimizzata per competere sotto l'egida del regolamento ORC da Matteo Polli​ e dal North Sails Specialist Andrea Casale​, Freccia del Chienti sarà sulla linea di partenza di manifestazioni come La Duecento, la 151 Miglia, il Campionato Italiano Assoluito di Altura di Ischia e la Civitanova-Sebenico. Progettato dalla Farr Yacht Design e realizzato dalla Premiere Composite a partire dal 2011, il Farr 400 è una barca capace di spunti prestazionali notevoli anche in virtù della costruzione rigida e leggera, dovuta al massiccio impiego di fibra di carbonio. Ad occuparsi del progetto vele è stato Stefano Schiaffino​ del team North Sails che, su mandato di Paniccia, ha sviluppato un set completo, pensato per coprire qualsiasi regime di vento. La barca è stata così dotata di randa e fiocchi in 3Di Raw full carbon, profili affiancati da windseeker, code zero e gennaker frazionato. "Dopo i successi iridati ottenuti nel corso delle passata stagione dallo Swan 42 Be Wild (Gruppo B) e dal Melges 32 Airis (Gruppo C), one design che abbiamo contribuito a rendere vincenti anche nel mondo dell'altura, per il 2018 abbiamo accettato con determinazione la proposta giunta da Piero Paniccia di seguire la transizione di questa bellissima barca - spiega Andrea Casale - Il progetto è iniziato con buon anticipo rispetto agli impegni agonistici e questo ci darà modo di lavorare sulla messa a punto e, di conseguenza, sui numeri, al fine di presentarci al via degli eventi più importanti al massimo delle potenzialità. Va da sé che su barche così performanti l'impiego del 3Di Raw, in virtù delle sue doti di longevità e affidabilità, appare ormai come una scelta pressoché scontata". READ MORE

North Sails Helsinki on kesäaikaan auksi maanantaisin 9-16.30, keskiviikkoisin 9-16.30 ja perjantaisin 9-15.30. Tiistait ja torstait varattu ensisijaisesti rantapäiviksi. 24.4.-4.5.2018 North Sails Helsinki on suljettu Ari Huuselan Imoca 60 veneen siirron vuoksi. Turo on takaisin kuivalla maalla viimeistään 4.5. Tuulten ollessa myötäisiä jo aiemmin. Tänä aikana tarvitessasi apua tavoitat meidät numerosta 02 247 100. READ MORE

THE NORTH SAILS GUIDE TO NAVIGATING NEWPORT The Volvo Ocean Race Stopover In The Heart Of American Sailing The Volvo fleet is racing to Newport, Rhode Island, for the finish of leg 8 from Itajai, Brazil. Here's what you need to know so you can catch the fleet here in town and be a part of the 2017-18 edition. View Full Event Schedule | Purchase Ocean Race Club Tickets | Where To Watch- Fun Facts On the Water Spectator Boats Hop on the Ava Pearl or Millenium for an up-close experience. View the schedule and buy your tickets. Buy now- Spaces are limited! Our Favorite Dining in Newport Your local North Sails team recommends the following restaurants and bars while you are visiting Newport for the Volvo Ocean Race: Breakfast / Brunch: Belle's Cafe @Newport Shipyard | Franklin Spa | Corner Cafe | Cru Cafe Lunch / Dinner: Clarke Cooke House | Midtown Oyster Bar | The Wharf Pub | The Black Pearl | Pasta Beach | Perro Salado | Salvation Cafe Watering Holes / Nightlife IYAC | Zelda's | Midtown Oyster Bar | Clarke Cooke House | Fastnet Pub READ MORE

NEW SALES EXPERT IN SYDNEY North Sails would like to welcome Andrew "Halfie" Parkes. A sailmaker by trade, Halfie started his apprenticeship with Elvstrom Sails in 1980 and still considers meeting the great Paul Elvstrom as a major highlight. When Mike Fletcher went onto full time coaching, he sold his one design and dinghy designs to Bob Fraser and Halfie finished his apprenticeship at Fraser Sails. He worked there for almost 17 years as a sailmaker, production manager and salesman. He left sailmaking and started selling yachts in 2000. Over the years Halfie has sailed and raced on all types of boats, from club racing on Sydney Harbour to America's Cup campaigns. Representing Australia, Japan, Germany and China at many events like Admirals Cup, Kenwood Cup, Sardinia Cup, Southern Cross Cup, Kings Cup and 9 Hobart races, he's sailed in most places around the world. Winning numerous Australian and state championships over the years, he brings a wealth of experience to share with new and existing clients. "I'm excited to join North Sails and be part of a world-renowned company. Having seen so much evolution in sails, materials and technology over the years, I can appreciate how much better the current products are. I've been approached by other lofts to join them, but none felt like the right fit for me. No matter what type of sailing you're doing, North Sails have a product to suit your requirements. We speak to our clients, ask them what they want to achieve and then recommend the right sail. Combined with our sales and support staff, we also offer the best possible after sales support. I look forward to sailing with North Sails clients on Sydney Harbour and my old clients from the past. " READ MORE

HELLY HANSEN NOOD REGATTA ANNAPOLIS, MAY 4-6 Schedule Of Regatta Services To Kick Off Summer Sailing READ MORE

AMERICA'S CUP 2017 & BEYOND WITH STEVE KILLING Stories From The Six-time America's Cup Veteran Steve Killing shares stories from the 35th America's Cup and his involvement with the various teams as a member of the technical committee. On a cold Wintery night, sailors gathered at the Midland Bay Cultural Centre to hear local legend Steve Killing speak on his involvement in the 35th America's Cup. Hugh Beaton, of North Sails Toronto (seen above), introduced Steve and his road that led to the cup. Included in the presentation was an overview of how Bermuda was chosen as the home port, how the rules were written for the event and the response from teams including which sections they pushed on the most, how the technical committee assisted teams on and off the water and predictions for the next cup. In conjunction with the Midland Bay Sailing Club, North Sails was a co-sponsor of the event, donating a prize pack auctioned at the live auction. Additional items included a signed Emirates Team New Zealand Shirt by Peter Burling, framed sailing photo, Steve's personal and official jacket from the America's Cup, Coastal PFD from Gyles Sails & Marine and Emirates Team New Zealand shirts and caps. All proceeds went to the Junior Sailing Program at Midland Bay Sailing Club. READ MORE

SUNFAST 3600 “YoYo” ON HER MAIDEN VOYAGE The team at North Sails Ireland Took to the Water to Test Out the New Inventory Brendan Coghlan's new Jeannueau Sunfast 3600 took to the water recently for her maiden voyage. North Sails Ireland's Maurice "Prof" O'Connell and Nigel Young and were afloat with Brendan's team, testing the full inventory of sails that North Sails supplied with the boat. The session was broken into two in order to test out the whole inventory. In the morning the mainsail and Code 2 (medium air) jib were checked and tested. The A2 (light medium asymmetric running spinnaker) was also tested with the North Graphics applied "Coghlan's Artisan Bakers" logo looking beautiful on the 0.75oz sail. Ross O'Leary and Joss Walsh from MGM boats were aboard for the morning session and they added greatly to the enjoyment. At the break, rig tune and control systems adjustments were made before heading back out on the water. In the afternoon, the Code 1 (light air) jib, Code 3+ (heavy air reefable jib), A4 (heavy running asymmetric spinnaker), A5 (very heavy air all-purpose spinnaker) and "Code Zero" (light airs close reaching sail) were all hoisted, checked and tested. The upwind sails were manufactured using North 3Di technology. The Code Zero was manufactured in North fabrics aramid laminate. The spinnakers were manufactured in premium Contender Superkote nylon. The sails were custom designed specifically for the YoYo team’s usage, using North's design software. All the sails were photographed for analysis. Here is a short downwind video from onboard. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGjkRpdyuLE&feature=youtu.be Get in touch with the team at North Sails Ireland to see how they can help you with your inventory! READ MORE

NORTH SAILS COACHING AT THE RORC EASTER CHALLENGE The North Sails team of experts offered their knowledge for the opening event of the season in the Solent © Shaun Roster/shaunroster.com The RORC Easter Challenge kicked off the sailing season in the Solent over the weekend in true English fashion with freezing conditions and persistent rain! This however did not deter the forty-odd teams who braved the conditions. The race committee put on a mixture of windward/leeward and round the can races across the regatta. Unfortunately the wind failed to fill in on the Sunday and with the spring tide the race committee made the decision to cancel the final day of racing. After racing each day, the North Sails team lead by Frank Gerber and David Lenz alongside sailing guru Jim Saltonstall gave debriefs from the days racing with a mixture of drone footage and pictures from the water. The debriefs were well attended throughout the regatta and provided warmth and shelter from the weather. The team kicked off the weekend with the basics, starting and mark roundings, and continued on to cover sail trim up and downwind. If you are interested in getting feedback from your sailing over the weekend, get in touch with Frank! The FAST40+, Jubilee put in a notable performance, winning all the races in IRC Zero and coming away with the most Easter eggs at the prize giving. In IRC One, the battle of the King 40’s took place between old rivals, Emily Bowden-Eyre’s Nifty and Michael Blairs Cobra. After a tight regatta, Cobra came out on top, winning the class by one point. In IRC two J/35 Bengal Magic won and in IRC3 Sam Laidlaw’s Quarter Tonner Aguila won, with a performance rivaling Jubilee’s, also scoring all bullets in their class. The event also acted as the debut event for the Performance 40 fleet. This new class will be running across several events over the year including the Vice Admirals Cup and the Royal Southern summer regatta’s. The Performance 40 fleet, introduced by North Sails, Warsash Sailing Club, RORC, and the Royal Southern Yacht Club, has the simplistic aim of getting similar boats out racing on a regular basis. We hope that this new concept will encourage racing on the Solent and increase the participation in the sport through a bit of gentle competition. The weekend racing saw Nifty take the lead of the Performance 40 fleet with Cobra in a close second. With six more regattas to go, we look forward to seeing how this fleet develops as the year goes on. Congratulations to all our clients racing the at regatta! We hope you found the debrief helpful and we look forward to following the racing during 2018. If you are interested in North products, or to look at the sailing footage from the event, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the North Sails team of experts. © Paul Wyeth/pwpictures.com © Paul Wyeth/pwpictures.com © Paul Wyeth/pwpictures.com © Paul Wyeth/pwpictures.com READ MORE

VELA E VELERIE, PER NORTH SAILS UN CICO RICCO DI SODDISFAZIONI © zerogradinord Genova – Quella che si è chiusa lo scorso week end a Genova è stata un’edizione del Campionato Italiano Classi Olimpiche ricca di soddisfazioni per North Sails che, tra gradite conferme e piacevoli sorprese, ha di che essere orgogliosa dei piazzamenti raggiunti dagli atleti impegnati tra le boe con i suoi profili. Tra i risultati più convincenti ottenuti nell’ambito dell’evento organizzato dallo Yacht Club Italiano, spicca il successo di Benedetta Di Salle e Alessandra Dubbini, vincitrici del titolo italiano nel 470 Femminile davanti a Paternoster-Caruso e a Berta-Carraro, tutti equipaggi North Sails. Un’affermazione commentata da una felicissima Di Salle: “Siamo sicuramente molto contente, per non dire contentissime del risultato. È stata una regata difficile, combattuta fino all’ultimo bordo con le nostre compagne di circolo Ilaria Paternoster e Bianca Caruso e con l’altro equipaggio femminile della squadra italiana, composto da Elena Berta e Sveva Carraro. Il campionato è stato caratterizzata da condizioni variabili: vento forte il primo giorno e vento più leggero e instabile nei giorni successivi. Grazie ai profili North Sails, che abbiamo iniziato a usare da pochi mesi, ci siamo sentite subito veloci. Una sensazione che si è confermata anche a Genova, dove siamo state competitive in tutte le condizioni. Ora iniziamo a concentrarci in vista della World Cup di Hyeres, che prepareremo con due settimane di allenamenti a Ostia”. Bene hanno fatto anche i ragazzi del 470, con due equipaggi North Sails finiti sul podio dietro ai confermati campioni italiani Ferrari-Calabrò. Il secondo posto è andato a Matteo Puppo e Matteo Capurro, mentre sul gradino più basso sono saliti Cesare Massa e Mattia Panigoni. Matteo Puppo ha spiegato: “Siamo soddisfatti, anche se rimane l’amaro in bocca per non essere riusciti a conquistare il titolo. Certo, quanto abbiamo visto in regata è la conferma che il lavoro svolto negli ultimi mesi è stato fatto nella direzione giusta e ne vediamo i frutti. In fatto di velocità, soprattuto in poppa abbiamo fatto un bel passo avanti. Alla luce di tutto ciò siamo molto ottimisti e propositivi per il futuro”. Un altro titolo italiano per North Sails è giunto dalla classe Finn, con il talentuoso Alessio Spadoni sugli scudi e il promettente Federico Colaninno, invelato anch’esso North, ottimo quarto: “Sono veramente felice di aver vinto il titolo italiano Finn – commenta Spadoni – il primo giorno le condizioni erano molto dure fisicamente e non ero sicuro di avere il passo sufficiente, ma mi sono sorpreso e ho tirato fuori un’ ottima giornata. Nelle giornate successivi con vento leggero ho amministrato, gestendo al meglio il margine. Un grazie a North Sails, con cui ho scelto di gareggiare questa stagione e che mi sta seguendo con grande attenzione”. © zerogradinord READ MORE

O podium foi North Sails no XXIX Campeonato de Portugal da Classe 420 em Absoluto e Juniores! É com orgulho que acompanhamos as classificações do Campeonato Nacional da Classe 420, onde vemos recompensado o trabalho das equipas realizado ao longo dos últimos meses. Valorizamos e reconhecemos o empenho dos velejadores e seus treinadores e, assim, queremos aqui deixar os nossos Parabéns a todos os participantes! Francisco Mourão/ Luis Pinheiro_Photo Credits:Luís Fráguas Ao Francisco Mourão e Luís Pinheiro (CNSesimbra) Parabéns pela conquista do título de Campeões de Portugal em Absoluto e às duplas João Bolina/ Rafael Rodrigues (CVBarreiro) e Francisco Rodrigues/ Tiago Alves(CVBarreiro) por teram, também, alcançado o podium ocupando o segundo e terceiro lugar, respectivamente. João Bolina/ Rafael Rodrigues_Photo Credits:Luís Fráguas Na categoria de Juniores os vencedores foram o João Bolina e Rafael Rodrigues seguidos da equipa Francisco Rodrigues/Tiago Alves que se classificaram em segundo lugar e dos velejadores Francisco Fráguas/Tomás Carreira que alcançaram o terceiro lugar. Mafalda Gonçalves/MariaPereira_Photo Credits:Luís Fráguas Rita Lopes/Matilde Cruz_Photo Credits:Luís Fráguas Nas classificações Feminino duplamente vencedoras foram a Mafalda Gonçalves e a Maria Pereira -Naturea Sailing Team - (CNSesimbra) que conquistaram o segundo lugar em Feminino Absoluto e Feminino Juniores! A dupla Rita Lopes/ Matilde Cruz (CNCascais)- Oakland - marcou também a sua posição no podium, classificando-se em terceiro lugar de Feminino Absoluto! Parabéns a todas! Photo Credits:Luís Fráguas O Campeonato Nacional foi disputado no Clube Naval Sesimbra e os os velejadores competiram sob condições de vento variáveis. As equipas vencedoras conseguiram tirar máximo rendimento das suas velas North Sails sendo que a dupla Francisco Mourão/ Luís Pinheiro competiu com a vela grande M9, estai J12 e spi S05, a dupla João Bolina/ Rafael Rodrigues utilizou o novo estai J13, vela grande M9 e spi S05 e dupla Francisco Rodrigues/ Tiago Alves tinha como inventário a vela grande M7, estai J12 e spi S01. Em Feminino a equipa Mafalda Gonçalves/ Maria Pereira - Naturea Sailing Team foram a este campeonato com a vela grande M9, estai J13 e spi S05 enquanto que a dupla Rita Lopes/ Matilde Cruz - Oakland optou por diferir apenas na escolha da vela grande e utilizou a M7. Se queres saber mais sobre as nossas velas clica aqui. A nível de ranking nacional as equipas clientes North Sails dominam fortemente o topo da tabela: 1º, 2º, 3º, 4º e 5º Lugar em Absoluto; 1º, 2º, 3º e 4º Lugar em Juniores e 1º e 3º Lugar em Feminino. A todos desejamos a continuação de um bom trabalho! READ MORE